My first headline for this post was “How Cute is Matt McCallister?” Then I continued to read the list of chefs who are participating in the next Chef for Farmers event and I decided I could write that same headline about all of them. Well, maybe not Jack Perkins. He’s too grizzly. And John Tesar isn’t boyishly cute. He is John Tesar.

Anywhoo, the technically jobless McCallister is credited with founding Chefs for Farmers, the organization dedicated to raising the “awareness for the importance of using local ingredients and supporting the farms and farmers in and around Dallas-Fort Worth and North Texas.”

I hate long tables so I’m glad to read that this event at the Highland Park “Casa Linda” Cafeteria, is glorifying cafeteria-style seating and McCallister plans to spin farm tunes alongside DJs Jennifer Miller and Paul Paredes. I’m humming the Old MacDonald remix as I type. (For the record, I made the “spin farm tunes” up. But it’s a good idea.”IJS.) Oh, and it’s BYOHairnet.

Each Chef takes a classic approach to dining with farm-fresh ingredients, preparing two gourmet dishes to be served cafeteria-style. Guests interact with chefs one on one as they grab a tray and walk the queue selecting from a multitude of comfort classics Salisbury Steak, Wild Boar Sloppy Joes, Tater Tots with Pork Belly, Cabbage Rolls, Fresh Pasta with Duck Meatballs, Fried Chicken, Chicken Fried Steak, Broccoli Rice Casserole, Ambrosia Salad etc. served up by DFW’s finest. Complimentary old school style drinks will be served by guest host DLynn Proctor.

DJs Jennifer Miller and Paul Paredes will be mixing the tracks at this one-of-a-kind event with a special appearance by guest DJ/Chef Matt McCallister.

A portion of the proceeds benefit The Family Place, the largest family violence service provider in the Dallas area serving thousands of victims of family violence each year with award-winning programs that keep women and children safe. For more than 32 years, The Family Place’s mission to end the epidemic of family violence has remained constant through intervention, emergency shelter, and crisis counseling for all victims, saving lives with transitional housing and case management, transforming lives for the better.

Founded in 2010 by Chef Matt McCallister, Chefs for Farmers was organized to raise awareness for the importance of using local ingredients and supporting the farms and farmers in and around Dallas-Fort Worth and North Texas.

The feast begins at 4pm as each guest picks up a tray and walks the line. Cost is $85 per person excluding tax and service fee. To purchase tickets go to www.chefsforfarmers.com or call www.prekindle.com. Highland Park Cafeteria is located at 1200 North Buckner Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75218 in Casa Linda.